Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Bora Bora | Oyster.com (2024)

Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Bora Bora | Oyster.com (1)

A popular honeymoon destination, Bora Bora is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Known for its luxurious overwater bungalows that provide gorgeous vistas of the turquoise lagoon and lush, mountainous landscape, as well as direct access to the sea life-filled waters, it's a bucket-list spot for many. Whether you're getting ready to book that memorable trip, or are simply daydreaming, read on for 12 essential things you need to know before going to Bora Bora.

1. It’s very expensive.

From the flights to the lodging to the food, everything in Bora Bora is pricey. We’re talking $20 for a protein-less salad, over $20 for cocktails, $1,700 for plane tickets from New York City, and $1,000 per night at a luxury hotel. While you could easily spend $50 on a dinner entree and $6,000 for four nights in an overwater bungalow at the St. Regis, there are ways to save. Some affordable hotels are available and there are supermarkets to cook meals. Check out our full list of tips on how to vacation in Bora Bora on the cheap.

2. All flights must go through Tahiti first.

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Depending on where you live, getting to Bora Bora can be quite a long journey. Although Auckland residents are an eight-hour plane ride away, flights from New York and London will take at least 20 and 37 hours, respectively, as all will have layovers at Los Angeles International Airport and Tahiti International Airport. From Tahiti, it’s a 45-minute plane ride to Bora Bora Airport, where travelers will either get picked up by the hotel’s private boat shuttle or take a free ferry to the mainland. Typically, hotels are a 10- to 20-minute boat ride from the Bora Bora Airport.

3. English is widely spoken.

The official language of Bora Bora is French, so travelers should expect to see menus written in French and have staff at hotels and shops greet them in French. However, travelers who speak English will not have any trouble getting around, as most locals speak it quite well. Also expect to hear Tahitian. It’s well-received when tourists use common phrases such as mauruuru (thank you) and ia ora na (hello).

4. Bora Bora is popular, but for a reason.

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French Polynesia‘s most popular island is undoubtedly Bora Bora, and that means you can expect lots of tourists and chain hotels. While some travelers may find this unattractive, there’s a reason the island has become so famous and continues to draw visitors. Its turquoise water is unbeatable, its coral lagoons with abundant sea life are excellent for snorkeling, and the 2,400-foot Mount Otemanu (an ancient volcano) makes for a breathtaking backdrop. If the branded hotel experience doesn’t suit your style, opt for an intimate getaway at the five-room, secluded Blue Heaven Island, or eight-room Sunset Hill Lodge run by the on-site owner.

5. They use the franc.

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic, and though France actually employs the euro, the franc is used throughout Bora Bora and other French Polynesia islands. The CFP franc (XPF) is the preferred currency, so be sure to take some money out of an ATM at the airport. Though the exchange rate varies, it’s roughly 100 XPF to 1 USD.

6. The mainland only has one true beach.

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Bora Bora’s beaches are well-known for their soft white sand, but the mainland really only has one true sandy stretch. Matira Beach is located at the southern tip of the island, and it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful by locals. The white powdery sand, crystal-clear and calm water, and prime sunset views make it a standout, plus it’s public, thus attracting a mix of locals and tourists.Hotels located on motus (small islands) off the mainland have phenomenal beaches as well, but these are private and only accessible to guests.

7. High season is in North America’s summer.

Unlike the Caribbean, the peak travel season in Bora Bora takes place during North America’s summer. The most popular months to visit are May through October, because the weather is dry and temperatures range from the upper 60s to mid-80s (expect more costly flights during this time). While it’s cheaper to visit the island between December and March, these months have the most unpredictable weather, with rain and slightly higher temperatures. April and November are the shoulder months.

8. Its coral reef is fantastic.

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Like many areas of the world, Bora Bora’s coral populations have been affected by tourism, tsunamis, invasive species, and other factors. Fortunately, numerous areas with stunning coral and coral gardens (the cultivation of corals for restoration purposes) are still found throughout. Snorkeling tours are a popular way to see coral, plus many hotels have their own coral reef rehabilitation programs that visitors can partake in. Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island has a fantastic one that visitors can snorkel to from their terrace or kayak to from the beach.

9. Its capital is Vaitape.

The capital of Bora Bora is Vaitape, which is where the free airport ferry drops off. The tiny town has a population of about 5,000, plus a couple of supermarkets, souvenir and jewelry shops, and hotels. Popular restaurants and bars in this area include Restaurant St. James, Maikai Marina Yacht Club, and Aloe Cafe.

10. Hotel views vary.

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Perhaps the most important factor when deciding where to stay in Bora Bora is the hotel’s view. Hotels on the mainland, for instance, look out toward the reef and smaller motus, while most hotels on small motus face the lagoon and mainland, allowing for sensational vistas of Mount Otemanu. For the former, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is a good option, while is an excellent pick if you’re looking for the latter. An exception is Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which is located on a motu and largely faces the reef instead of the striking Mount Otemanu.

11. There are some land activities.

While water-based activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving, are king here, there are several ways to experience the local culture and landscape without getting your feet wet. Many visitors opt for a jeep tour, which circumvents the island, goes up the mountain for breathtaking vistas, and makes cultural stops. Travelers may also visit shops to see how sarongs are dyed, browse the island’s famous pearl jewelry, and stop at historic landmarks with World War II canons installed by the U.S.

Our Hotel Pick: InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort/Oyster

For many travelers, the 62-room, four-pearl InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort strikes a nice balance between amenity-packed luxury and small-resort privacy. Like other top Bora Bora resorts, Le Moana has gorgeous overwater bungalows, a beautiful beach, a nice pool, and a few quality restaurants. It doesn’t have a spa, aturtle sanctuary, aromance concierge, or its own protected lagoon — but here, fewer amenities translates to fewer crowds, a quiet atmosphere, and plenty of privacy.

Pricing for InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

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What to Bring: Swimwear from Reformation

Look your best in the waters of Bora Bora in a sustainable swimsuit from Reformation.

You’ll Also Like:

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All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.

Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Bora Bora | Oyster.com (2024)

FAQs

What do I need to know before traveling to Bora Bora? ›

11 Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Bora Bora
  • It's very expensive. ...
  • All flights must go through Tahiti first. ...
  • English is widely spoken. ...
  • Bora Bora is popular, but for a reason. ...
  • They use the franc. ...
  • The mainland only has one true beach. ...
  • High season is in North America's summer. ...
  • Its coral reef is fantastic.
Sep 19, 2018

What should I be careful of in Bora Bora? ›

Travel should ideally be avoided from November to April because of the storm season in French Polynesia. In addition, during times of severe rain, the island is vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Preparing for any potential natural disasters by looking up the weather forecast before leaving is a good idea.

What do Americans need to travel to Bora Bora? ›

Do I Need a Visa for Bora Bora? Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required.

How much money should I bring to Bora Bora? ›

ExpenseCost
Accommodation (2 nights)$400 - $2,000+
Meals (3 days)$240 - $480+
Round-trip Airfare (per person)$1,000 - $2,500+
Transportation (taxi, rental car)$50 - $200+
2 more rows
Feb 27, 2023

What is the dress code in Bora Bora? ›

Dress code: bring cotton clothing and light rainwear in case of a sudden tropical downpour. A pair of reef shoes is essential to avoid coral cuts during excursions. Some bars & restaurants require a resort evening dress code.

Are sharks a problem in Bora Bora? ›

Sharks can be found in the waters around Bora Bora, but attacks on humans are rare. Most species of sharks found in the area are not known to be aggressive towards humans. But still, it is always recommended to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when swimming or snorkeling in open waters.

Is Bora Bora safe for US citizens? ›

Bora Bora is one of the safest destinations. But with wild animals, tropical climate, and a unique culture, there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow the guide!

Is Bora Bora water safe? ›

Water -- Bora Bora has a huge desalinization plant, so the tap water is safe to drink.

Do you need bug spray in Bora Bora? ›

Finally, there are plenty of mosquitoes in Bora Bora, so protect yourself with an effective repellent. Mosquitoes here can transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, and other maladies.

Are vaccinations required for Bora Bora? ›

Vaccinations Required for Bora Bora

Boosters of your tetanus/diphtheria/polio childhood vaccines are usually recommended. Vaccines against Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also recommended for Bora Bora, and should be administered approximately two to three weeks pre-departure.

What kind of passport do I need to go to Bora Bora? ›

Regular passports are for travel for pleasure or business and must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Diplomatic or official passports are issued to government officials or representatives of international organizations and must remain valid for at least three months after the date of entry.

Why is Bora Bora so famous? ›

Bora Bora is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The “Pearl of the Pacific,” as it is known, is an island paradise, with a crystal clear lagoon, superb coral reefs, vast stretches of white sandy beach and luxuriant forests of lush green tropical vegetation.

Why is Bora Bora so blue? ›

Waters in places like the Caribbean, South Pacific like in Bora Bora, and Greece are shallower and almost free of plankton, causing them to be a specific shade of azure blue. These waters are also usually home to heavier sand and sediment, which churn up less, leaving waters more clear.

What country owns Bora Bora? ›

Bora Bora (French: Bora-Bora; Tahitian: Pora Pora) is an island group in the Leeward Islands in the South Pacific. The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Bora Bora? ›

Drinking water:

You can drink tap water in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and in all the international resorts. It is usually fine in family hotels and in the other islands but we recommend that you ask your hosts for confirmation.

How many days is enough in Bora Bora? ›

IDEAL TIME TO SPEND IN BORA BORA ? I would recommend a bare minimum of atleast 4-5 days. Ideally a week would be the perfect sweet spot (which is what we did) – that way you can split your time across 2 different resorts (or even a resort and an airbnb) to get 2 different experiences.

What kind of money do you need in Bora Bora? ›

The official currency of Bora Bora is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). What denominations are available for coins and notes in XPF? Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes as well as 1, 2, and 5 XPF.

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